Earl Said:

What is the difference between a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist Assistant?

We Answered:

click on the links below:
for occupational therapists : http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm

for physical therapists: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm

Good luck!

Tonya Said:

What do schooling do you need to have to become a physical therapist?

We Answered:

In the US, it's a graduate degree, usually resulting in a doctorate degree called a DPT. It typically takes 6-7 years (depends on the structure of the program). Your undergraduate education involves taking the prerequisite coureses, generally chem, bio, physics, psych and math. Cost will depend on length of program and wheather you go to a public or private institution. It can range anywhere from $ 100,000 to upwards of $200,000.

The apta website at www.apta.org has a lot of good information.

Tom Said:

What are the requirements to become a Physical Therapist?

We Answered:

You need One year of each of the following with labs

gen chem
gen physics
gen bio
A and P

also math potentially up to calc
stats and
psy

You need to get a BS degree. It can be in anything as long as you get your pre reqs. I have attached some useful links from the national PT organization

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…

Best wishes

Erica Said:

What type of degree is required to be a physical therapist?

We Answered:

The degree required is at least a mater's degree, but most programs are now doctorate level programs (DPT); however, the professional phase is almost always three years...just DPT usually requires a BS compeleted prior to admission.

If you are interested in PT, your first step should be to go to the APTA website at: www.apta.org and start reviewing the list of schools you might wish to attend. Review those school's prerequisite requirements for entance into the program. Most likely, you'll need to return to school for a few courses that you probably did not get as a communications major. You will also most likely need to take the GRE, complete observation hours, and obtain letters of recommendation.

The actual job of a physical therapist usually involves significant amounts of time working with people and documenting. One must be able to communicate and teach patients effectively (I'm sure you've got that down already). One must also be a problem solver, often "playing detective."

Job prospects are excellent and continue to grow. I wouldn't get too excited about the salary...there are $80.000 jobs out there, but they are not usually meant for new graduates. A survery by Today in PT found that new graduate average salary (2007?) was $51,000. The bureau of labor and statistics rates the national average salary at $66,000...yet, most PTs are earning between $60-$70,000 in most settings. Home health and staffing agencies tend to pay even more...but these are not ideal placements for new graduates.

Most PTs are working standard 40 hour weeks, but many work part time. There is often room for working 4 10s intead of 5 eights, which is where your three day weekend might come in...just beaware that not everyone in the clinic is off on Fridays or Mondays. Some therapists are of on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, etc. Most clinics ARE open 5 days a week with evenings and possible weekends. Hospital and rehab PTs often have to work holidays as well.

Good luck with your persuits.

Tracy Said:

What are massage therapist's duties in a medical office/physical therapist clinic?

We Answered:

It isn't all that common...but basically a massage therapist generally works as that. Since most insurance companies don't pay for massage therapy, what we do at our clinic is offer massage as an ancillary service as desired...patients pay out of pocket for it. It's usually a supplement to the actual therapy the patient is getting. In our clinic, our massage therapist also works as a receptionist/scheduler...sometimes he also acts as a technician, providing assistance to the therapist (helping lift/transfer patients).

Linda Said:

What is needed to become a physical therapist?

We Answered:

generally 3 years past a BS.

Here are the schools in NJ and NY

New Jersey
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Graduate School Camden and University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (A4, D6, F1, PU)
Seton Hall University (D6, PR)
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (A2, D6, F1, PU)
University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (D6, F1, PU)


New York
Clarkson University (A2, A4, D6, F1, PR)
College of Staten Island/The Graduate Center (CUNY) (A4, D6, F1, PU)
Columbia University (A4, D6, F1, PR)
D'Youville College (A4, D6, F1, PR)
Daemen College (A2, D6, F1, PR)
Dominican College of Blauvelt (A1, D6, F3, PR)
Hunter College/The Graduate Center (CUNY) (A4, D6, F1, PU)
Ithaca College (A2, D6, F1, PR)
Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus (A4, D6, F1, PR)
Mercy College (D6, F3, PR)
Nazareth College of Rochester (A2, D6, F1, PR)
New York Institute of Technology (A2, A4, D6, F1, PR)
New York Medical College (A4, D6, F1, PR)
New York University (A4, D6, F1, PR)
State University of New York Downstate Medical Center (D6, F1, F4, PU)
State University of New York Upstate Medical University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
Stony Brook University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
The Sage Colleges (A2, A4, D6, E2, F1, PR)
Touro College (A2, D6, E1, E3, E5, F1, PR)
University at Buffalo, State University of New York (D6, F1, PU)
Utica College (A2, D6, F1, PR)



http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…